Because we all like pretty pictures

Trade is a movie about human sex trafficking. Now, if I had never mentioned that, I’m pretty sure you could have guessed that just by looking at the poster and noting the juxtaposition of the title, the bar code and the girl’s back.

I really think this is a powerful poster. Not only because it manages to transmit so neatly what the movie is about, but also because I think it elicits an immediate emotional response. Sure, it’s going to turn some people away, but the movie’s somewhat dark subject matter was going to do that anyway. On the other hand it will demand the attention of the people who aren’t turned away.